Hotel Carlton

Housed in a six-story building that resembles an
apartment complex, the Hotel Carlton has the look and vibe of a small boutique property. It’s surrounded by a relatively quiet residential
neighborhood with cars parked on both sides of the tree-lined street
immediately outside the hotel. Entering the hotel is like walking into a cozy private
living room. A small, three-stool bar sits adjacent to
a colorful striped couch and coffee table under the large, floor-to-ceiling
window that looks out onto the street. The natural light streaming
from the window allows the lobby’s many potted plants to flourish. Cut flowers
also brighten the darkly decorated space, as does colorful modern artwork. The narrow
hall with dark hardwood floors leads past a small, modest check-in area to a
tasteful dining area where dark brown leather chairs and white linen tablecloths,
china and silverware adorn the tables. An adjacent elevator
and utility-type interior staircase lead up to the guest rooms. Everything on
the street level is in a compact, intimate area that encourages friendly interaction
between guests and staff. Being away from the bustle of tourists in Old Town
makes it a quiet oasis.

Ghent’s main railway hub, the Ghent-Sint-Pieters station,
is a two-minute walk from the Hotel Carlton, as is the tram stop that provides
service to the city’s historic Old Town, where popular attractions like Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Belfry Tower and
the Castle of the Counts reside. The tram takes about five minutes to Old Town,
which is a 15- to 20-minute walk from the hotel. Ghent’s Museum of Modern
Art and Museum of Fine Art are less than a 10-minute walk, as are the ICC
Convention Centre and Citadelpark. Various shops, cafes and restaurants surround
the hotel. The Ghent Airport is about a 12-minute drive away, depending on traffic.

Rooms are clean, quiet, and spacious
by European standards with big windows that open and offer views of residential
rooftops. Standard Double and Triple Rooms have the same decor and layout, with
the Triple having a third bed wedged next to the desk under the window. Dark-wood furniture and headboards accent the cream-colored walls, giving the rooms a
contemporary feel, though some furnishings look slightly worn. High-end amenities include large closets, terrycloth
robes, 22-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, minibars, media
plug-ins, and coffeemakers. Tiled bathrooms have shower/tub
combos with a glazed, partial shower door plus hairdryers, toiletries, and attractive vessel sinks. The Deluxe Double Rooms on the top
floor really stand out, with living and bedroom areas separated by a partial,
curved wall. Both spaces have large flat-screen TVs recessed into the wall. It also includes an outdoor terrace that offers lounge
chairs, a table with an umbrella, potted plants, and excellent city views. The
beautiful bathroom is highlighted by a tub perched on a white marble platform
below a large window with a shower separated by a frosted glass wall. Pet rooms
are available. There is no air-conditioning but fans are provided.

Secure, off-street parking is offered in a garage under
the hotel, and there's free parking on the street outside the hotel for those
who can find it. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The full
breakfast with cooked-to-order eggs and freshly baked pastries is a hit with
guests, but it’s not included in the room rate. The hotel also can provide a
lunch to go upon request. The small lobby bar is well stocked and offers drinks
throughout the day. Tram tickets for service to Old Town can be obtained at the
hotel, which offers guests a safe deposit box that’s located in the lobby.